In what may be a political first in the British Commonwealth, former governor general Edward Schreyer will announce his candidacy Thursday as a New Democrat Party candidate in Winnipeg...Needless to say, Schreyer's superb track record as a legislator and diplomat is one that the NDP will want to highlight at every opportunity. And the message sent on the issues is even better: the fact that a man appointed by Trudeau to be Canada's head of state is running under the NDP banner out of frustration with Martin's government should nicely highlight the rightward drift of the Liberals since the time when Schreyer last stood for election, and Schreyer's record as an environmental advocate will help cement the NDP's role as the party best equipped to stand up for the environment.
It's not the first time Schreyer has established political firsts. The former premier of Manitoba was the youngest member of the Manitoba Legislature when he was first elected in 1958 at 22, and he later became Canada's youngest governor general and commander-in-chief when he took the post at 43. He held the Rideau Hall position from 1979 until 1984...
Schreyer has been a strong environmental advocate throughout much of his career. As Manitoba premier his government produced legislation on sustainable energy and the environment, and he is said to still hold those issues close to his heart.
Kudos to Schreyer in getting into the race...and hopefully he'll be rewarded with a key role in an expanded NDP caucus for his efforts.
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